KTT MoonRosa vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT MoonRosa is a linear switch that boasts a buttery smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press option. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie also features an all-POM construction and offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. This switch is known for its buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky feel. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, such as smoothness and sound quality, ultimately the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Smoothie, both made of POM, create a similar pleasing and unique sound profile. The deep and relatively muted sound produced by these switches is a key characteristic that sets them apart from other types of housing materials. However, despite both switches sharing the same housing material, the distribution of these qualities differs between the top and bottom housings. In the MoonRosa, the POM top and bottom housings work together to create a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience, while in the Smoothie, these qualities may be more distinct depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it.
In terms of impact on the typing experience, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the POM bottom housing can be felt, creating a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches influences the sound produced when letting go of a key, adding to the overall typing experience. Despite these differences in distribution of qualities, both the MoonRosa and the Smoothie offer a consistent and unique sound profile that is appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Smoothie share many similarities in terms of the sound profile they produce. The deep and muted sound created by the POM material adds a level of satisfaction to typing that is highly desirable. While the distribution of these qualities may vary between the two switches, both offer a unique typing experience that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-quality switch with a pleasing sound profile. Whether you choose the MoonRosa or the Smoothie, you can expect to enjoy a consistent and satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by the POM housing material.
Weight
In comparing the KTT MoonRosa linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it can be seen that the MoonRosa is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The MoonRosa offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie provides a slightly more substantial typing feel with a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches may offer similar results in terms of feel due to their comparable actuation forces, but the MoonRosa is overall the lighter option while the Smoothie offers a slightly heavier typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing force when considering weight as a factor in selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who prefer a more precise and responsive feel, the MoonRosa may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Smoothie may offer a slightly more substantial keypress experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their switch travel. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance is minimal, and both switches are likely to provide similar overall performance in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound, known for its deep, rich, and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when keys are pressed and released, along with a subdued quality that offers a more subtle sound signature. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch delivers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle resistance during key presses and light actuation force. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing feel for users.
Considering the information provided, both the KTT MoonRosa and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the MoonRosa providing a low-pitched sound and gentle typing feel, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and typing comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the MoonRosa and Smoothie switches will come down to individual preference for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT MoonRosa linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it's important to keep in mind a few key factors. If you're looking for a light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the MoonRosa may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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